Mediation

Yes, family mediation vouchers are still available. Since the successful roll-out of the mediation voucher scheme to help separating couples resolve disputes outside of court, the government has added £5.4 million of extra funding and extended the scheme.

Eligibility for the Mediation Voucher Scheme is not means tested, meaning it doesn’t matter how much income you receive, however, your case must in part involve discussions about making arrangements for children.

If you decide to proceed with family mediation and you are eligible for the ‘£500 voucher’ contribution, subject to suitability and matter type, your family mediator will then apply for the voucher funding.

Since the Government announced that they are extending the Mediation Voucher Scheme with an extra £5.4 million in funding, many couples will be eligible for £500 worth of vouchers towards the cost of mediation.

The government has announced that an extra £5.4 million in funding will be injected into the Mediation Voucher Scheme. The scheme, of which we are part, provides couples with £500 worth of mediation vouchers, intending to help them to find mutually agreeable solutions and to help free up space in the family courts.

In financial mediation, we will make sure details of finances are obtained and supported with documentation so that all the discussions can take place with the full facts.

Mediation is an entirely voluntary process. In most cases, you will need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before issuing court proceedings. After the MIAM the mediator will issue a MIAM certificate which is required to accompany your application to court.

When you have children it is vital for parents to be able to discuss arrangements for them. In mediation, we will provide legal information and make sure all options are considered, including some neither of you may have thought about. We will support you both to express what you each feel and want and ensure we all listen and really hear one another.

One of the biggest advantages of mediation is that meetings are scheduled to suit you and achieve a resolution well before any court proceedings would have concluded.